Suspect in slaying of Everett couple, 2 others, to undergo mental evaluation

EVERETT — An Oregon man accused of killing an Everett couple and two others is awaiting a mental evaluation.

Defense attorneys for David “Joey” Pedersen, 31, have said they doubt that their client is competent to assist in his own defense. They need an expert’s assistance in making a determination. It isn’t clear when state doctors will be able to evaluate Pedersen, lawyers said at a hearing on Friday.

Pedersen and his girlfriend, Holly Grigsby, are charged with two counts of aggravated murder. They are accused of killing Pedersen’s estranged father, David “Red” Pedersen, and his wife, Leslie “DeeDee” Pedersen, in September. They also are suspects in killings in Oregon and California.

Snohomish County prosecutors aren’t expected to decide whether to seek the death penalty until April.

Pedersen’s next hearing is set for early January.